Steel stirrup guard with long straight quillons, hollowed out
on the underside to form a watertight seal over the scabbard. Long double
langets; riveted wood grip with original leather wrap; forward-angled capstan
pommel with long ear over the back of the grip. Metal of the hilt shows
impurities and corrosion. Curved 34" single-edged blade, broadening toward the
point; the last 10 ½" double-edged. Blade shows a Damascus pattern and is
stamped with a profile head mark on each side at the forte. Possibly the mark of
Johannes Beugel (active in Solingen 1648-1688). Original wood scabbard with
leather cover (minor losses to leather) and brass mounts; twin steel carrying
rings. Running the full length of the scabbard is a winding steel snake passing
beneath the brass straps and drag, its head near the throat. Blade lightly
pitted; scabbard mounts with mixed golden brown and green patina. Almost
certainly a veteran of the Ottoman-Hapsburg Wars and the Siege of Vienna in
1683, scene of history’s largest cavalry charge. Overall length 39".